MISSING macaw Zac has been reunited with its owners after flying 12 miles away last Saturday.

On Wednesday, The Northern Echo carried an appeal from Lee Forster, of Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, for help in tracking down the six-year-old bird.

A woman in Bearpark, near Durham City, rang Lee to say that Zac had been taken in by people in a nearby house.

"They weren't going to return it so I had to involve the police," Lee said. "They went in with the RSPCA and read Zac's ring number and then asked us to come and identify her.

"As soon as I went in she landed on my shoulder and gave me a kiss. The police said that was enough identification.

"We are over the moon to get Zac back. She is a bit tired, and was fast asleep when I went to work.''

l Meanwhile another macaw owner is still hoping to find her beloved bird.

Jasper, who is red and green, flew away from Sheila Smith's home in Ferryhill two weeks ago. Friend Joan Howe said: "Sheila is broken-hearted and is offering a reward if Jasper is found.''

Anyone with information is asked to call Sheila on (01740) 657408.